Recording and reproducing apparatus



May 1, 1945. J. J. sHlvELY ET AL RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Original Filed March 1B, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEYS May 1, 1945. .L JQ SHIVELY ETAL.

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f J 2 257 26a 257 4J f f 243 244Y J f NvENToRs @mcg-212m W VA/mf ATTORNEYS Patented May l, 1945 RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS John J. Shively and Harry R. van Deventer, New York, N. Y., assignors to Telephone Answering and Recording Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Original application March 18, 1941, Serial No. 383,904. Divided and this application July 10, 1943, Serial No. 494,132

(ci. 1'19--6l l 24 Claims.

This application is a division of our co-pending application entitled Recording and reproducing apparatus, led. March 18, 1941, Serial Number 383,904, which is a continuation in part of application Serial Number 333,268, led May 4, 1940, now Patent No. 2,261,420, dated November 4, 1941.

The present invention includes new and improved structures for use in the types of recording and reproducing apparatus disclosed in the aforesaid patent and application and with other types thereof.

An object of the invention is to provide improved means ior recording on blank record discs.

A further object is to provide means of the above type adapted to record on a plurality of turntables in the same plane.

Another object is to provide improved feeding means for the recording head.

Another object is to provide recording and reproducing apparatus including a plurailty of turntables in the same plane, a single recorder head and a single reproducer head, both heads being cooperative with all turntables.

Another object is to provide improved control means for the recording and reproducing means.

A further object is to provide telephone answering and recording apparatus including the above and other disclosed improvements.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear during the course of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a longitudinal partial sectional view of a telephone answering and recording device embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a detail vertical section illustrating the means for positioning the telephone handset;

Figure 3 is a top view of the device, Figure 1, showing the apparatus in normal recording position;

Figure 4 is a front view of the detector with the cover removed;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of the same, taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a top view similar to Figure 3 but showing the apparatus positioned for recording talk-out or answering speeches;

Figure 7 is a detail top view of the recorder arm;

Figure 8 is a longitudinal View of the same partly in section along the lines 8-8,Fig'ure 7,

showing the recorder in engaged position with the record;

Figure 9 is a similar view in disengaged position;

Figure 10 is a bottom view of the recorder arm and head;

Figure l1 is a vertical sectional view on the lines H-il, Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a similar view on the lines I2-I2, Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a plan view of the feeding mechanism;

Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the same on the lines l4-I4, Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a cross sectional view on the lines 15-15, Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a detail view of the spring-pressed jack-shaft bearing;

Figure 17 is an enlarged fragmental detail view of a feeding fork and spring;

Figure 18 is another view of the feed fork;

Figure 19.is a detail view of the cutter or recording head and automatic lifter therefor in lifted position; y

Figure 20 is a similar viewl in lowered position;

Figure 21 is a vertical detail view of the interlocking guard means and limit switch;

Figure 22 is a view of the same in the plane 22--22, Figure 19;

Figure 23 is a fragmental view of the guard ring and latch in released position;

Figure 24 is a similar view in latched position;

Figure 25 is a front view, partially in section, of the answering turntable drive and control unit;

Figure 26 is a sectional View of the same on the lines 26-26, Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a detail rear View of the reproducer control apparatus;

Figure 28 is a timing diagram of the answering and recording cycle, and

Figure 29 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus.

Referring to Figure 1, the numeral indicates a base to whichl is secured an inclined front plate-4I. A main top plate 42 is secured at the front to lugs 43 on the front plate 4I and at the rear to suitable posts 44 mounted on the base 40. A lid 45 is hinged at 46 to the rear of the top platel 42.

The numeral 41 generally denotes an answering and control unit, while numeral 48 similarly denotes a recording unit, both units being secured to the top vplate 42. The recorder unit 48 and the answering unit 41 carry turntables 50 and 49 respectively, these turntables being disposed in the same horizontal plane and preferably in alignment longitudinally of the plate 42 as shown in Figures 3 and 6.

Recording unit ing 56 in the frame 5I, the bushing 56 also being l adapted to absorb end thrust.

A second worm 51 on the jack-shaft 55 meshes with a second worm gear 58 on a feed hub 59, the latter being rotatably mounted on a vertical sleeve 60 secured inthe frame 5l.

The jack-shaft 55 is supported adjacent the second worm 51 in a vsaddle bearing 6| .hori-l zontally slidable in the frame 5| and backed by a compression spring 62 which in turn is adjustably backed by a set screw 63 as shown in detail in Figures and 16. By this means the worm 51 is resiliently pressed into complete mesh with the worm-gear 58, eliminating any possible back-lash or lost motion between these members and providing for automatic take-up of any wear which may occur during the life of the machine. 'I'he bushing 56 is sufllciently free to prevent any cramping of the shaft 55 due to the above automatic take-up. The worm 51 and gear 58 are lubricated with a suitably adherent grease, and due to the low speeds of these parts and the light load transmitted thereby as hereinafter set forth, the friction load caused by the pressure meshing of the worm and gear is so small as to be negligible. 'I'he frame or body 5I forms a casing about the first worm gear 54, providing a reservoir 64 to hold lubricant for this gear, its worm 53 yand the shaft 52. A spring-pressed sealing washer 65, Figure 13, prevents escape of lubricant from the reservoir 64. The spring 65a which presses the washer 65 reacts against a thrust Washer 65h on the shaft 55, thus maintaining the latter under thrust in one direction at all times and thereby eliminating possible endwise back-lash or lost motion of thejack-shaft.

The upper end of the feed hub 59 is formed anrsrularly with external and internal tapers 66 and A hollow swivel shaft 68 is rotatably mounted in the stationary sleeve 68. A swivel head 69, shown in detail in Figures 8, 9 and 10, is secured to the top of the shaft 68, and includes a rearward extension 10. Horizontally pivoted at 1l to the extension 19 is a cutter arm 12 having a straight portion 13 and an angularly directed forward portion 14. A recording head or cutter 15 is mounted in the forward arm portion 14 so as to have limited floating motion upward and downward. This floating mounting of the cutter 15 may be by any suitable means, illustrated herein as shown in Figures 10, 19 and 20 by a knifeedge member 16 held in engagement with a `V bracket 11 by a strong tension spring 18. The rear end of the spring 18 is adjustable upward or downward on a screw v19, thus providing an adjustable counterbalance for a portion of the weight of the cutter 15 and thereby allowing for adjustment of the depth of recording cut.

The cutter 15 is provided with the usual stylus 80. A plate 8| serves to limit the possible downward swing of the cutter 15 and supports the lat- -ter when the arm is raised to disengaged position.

The circular or hub portion 82 of the cutter arm 12 has closely slidable therein a pair of small vertical plungers 83, shown 1n enlarged detail in Figures 17 and 18. Springs 84 backed by screwsA 85 vurge the plungers 83 downward, the downward possible motion being limited by heads 86 engaging shoulders 81 in the arm portion 82. Transverse slots 88 in the lower ends of the plungers 83 have closely tted therein fiat forks 89, the latter being retained and allowed limi transverse floating motion b y pins 98.

The forks 89 overlie the annular top of the feed hub 59, the internal tapers 9| of the forks corresponding substantially to the external and internal hub tapers 66 and 61. When the arm 12 the hub tapers. However, when the arm 12 is` lowered into horizontal position on the swivel head 69 as shown in Figures 8 and 11, the forks 89, pressed by the springs backed by the weight of the arm, engage and wedge on the tapers 66 and 61.

It is evident that whenever the turntable shaft 52 is rotated, the feed hub 59 is also rotated at greatly reduced speed through the previously described compound worm-gear train. Therefore, when the arm 12 is lowered to bring the stylus into engagement with a record blank 92, and the hub 59 is revolved as noted, the forks 89 gripping the tapers 66 and 61 cause the arm 12 to be swung at the same rotative speed as the hub, thus feeding the stylus 89 across the record.

Due to the steepness of the tapers 68 and 61, the weight of' the arm 12 and strength of springs 84, the grip of the forks 89 on the hub 59 provides a substantially rigid connection therewith, and this positive grip, together with the prevention of lost motion as previously set forth, causes the stylus 80 to cut threads with highly accurate uniform spacing- It will be noted that the forks 89 are adapted to engage the hub 59 at any'points on the latters circumference, so that feed can be started exactly at any desired point without the necessity of attempting to mesh teeth and threads as in the case of recorders employing lead screws or the like. It is also evident that the structure is adapted to permit the cutter to be fed at any desired sector throughout the entire 360 of swing of the swivel shaft 68. This permits the single cutter to be operated in commotion with a, plurality of turntables in the same plane, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 by,turntables 50 and 49 in the present embodiment.

In Figure 6 the apparatus is illustrated as 1ocated to record throughout a zone K-B on the record blank 92 on table 50, while in Figure 6 the cutter is swung to record throughout a zone C-D on a blank 93 on the table 49, the axis E of the feed mechanism being equidistant from the axes of both turntables.

While, as previously pointed out, the feed hub 59 and forks 89 are adapted to engage and cause feeding at any horizontal angle, in each particular case it is desirable to restrict such engagement to the particular Zones wherein recording is tof be made, represented in the present embodiment by the zones K-B and C-D. For this purpose, the following provision is made:

A cylindrical guard or ring 94, shown in Figures 8, 9, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23 and 24, is secured to the main plate 42 and surrounds the feed hub 59. The ring 94 has an annular'top surface 95 provided with an outer upwardly extendingrim 96 which is interrupted by cut-out notches 91 and 98 as shown most clearly in Figures 21 and 22.

A cross pin 99 in the arm 12, Figures 8, 9 and 10, has rockably mounted thereon a trigger lever extending upward through a slot |0| in the straight portion 13 of the arm. The bottom of the trigger |00 comprises a small latch |02. A tension spring |03 urges the trigger |00 clockwise so that when the arm 12 is raised as in Figure 8 the latch |02 normally rests on the annular guard surface 95, as shown in Figures 9 and 24, thus preventing the arm from falling,

Stops |04 on the swivel head 69 are adapted to engage hubs |05 on the trigger |00, thus preventing the arm 12 from being raised high enough to bring the latch |02 above the rim 95.

When the latch |02 is in upper position, therefore, as shown in Figures 9 and 24, it may ride around the surface 95 and allow the arm 12 to be' swung to any position, but the rim 95 prevents the latch 02 from being swung outward except when the latter is in registry with notch 91 or notch 98. When in such registry, the latch may be swung outward as shown in Figures 8 and 23, allowing the arm 12 to be loweredV to bring the stylus 80 into engagement with the record blank 92.

The notches 91 and 90 thus define the zones of recording within which the stylus 80 may be lowered on the record blanks, namely zones K-B and C-D. y

` The'arm 14 must be raised in order to swing the recorder through or into any other positions, and in such other positions the latch |02 cannot be released.

'I'he above provision prevents injury to the records, stylus or cutter ,by careless lowering of the latter in improper positions. .Furthermore, when the arm 12 is raised after recording, the spring |03 instantly snaps the latch into position on the surface 95, preventing the cutter stylus 80 from being violently dropped on the record if the arm is accidentally released.

Referring to Figure 22, it will be seen that the point of the latch |02 is wedge-shaped. A radial groove |06 is provided in the surface 95 adjacent the counter-clockwise end of the notch 91, the notch 98 being provided with a similar groove |01.

I When it is desired to set the device for recording on a fresh record blank 92, the arm 12 is swung until the wedge point of the latch |02 engages the groove |06, which thereby positions the arm with the stylus 80 above the outer boundary K of the zone K-B. Releasing the latch thereupon brings the stylus into engagement with the record on the line K, vfrom which boundary the cutter is then fed inward as recording proceeds. Similarly the groove |01 automatically denes the starting position of the arm 12 for recording in the zone CD, no skill or careful setting being required of the operator in either case.

A small lever |08, Figures 21, 22 and 6, is pivoted to the plate 42 under the turntable 50 and has an upward extension |09 underlying the groove 91 adjacent the clockwise end thereof. An adjustable screw ||0 in the lever |08 engages the resilient arm of a normally closed limit switch I I2 of any suitable type, herein illustrated as the type known commercially as a microswitch. When the recorder stylus 80 approaches the inner boundary B of the zone K-B, the latch |02 engages the lever extension |09, swinging the lever m and opening the switch uz. The connections of the limit switch will be set forth hereafter in the explanation of the wiring `diagram. Figure 29. a

A motor III, Figure 1, is provided to drive the turntable 5l and shaft 52 through any suitable rim-drive mechanism, such mechanisms being well known in the art and therefore requiring no further description herein.

Answering and control unit Referring to Figures 25 and 26, the control unit 41 has a vertical shaft I4 carrying the tumtabie 49, which in the present embodiment is of smaller diameter than the turntable 50 as shown in Figures 1. 3 and 6. A second motor H5, similar in speed to motor I3, is adapted to rim drive the turntable 49 and shaft ||4 through a floating roller IIE, this motor being shown in phantom outline in Figure 1 in order to more clearly disclose the mechanism behind it. The roller ||5 has a resilient tire ||1 of comparatively `large diameter engaging a pulley ||8 on the motor shaft H9, and a second resilient tire |20 of smaller diameter engaging the periphery of the turntable 49. The drive through the roller H6 from the motor |I5 to the turntable 49 thus effects a speed reduction which causes the small turntable 49 to be driven at substantially the same speed as'the large tumtabie 50.

A transverse cam shaft |2| is adapted to be driven at reduced speed from the turntable shaft ||4 through suitable worm gearing disposed in a casing 41a.

A hub |22, secured to the cam shaft |2I, carries cams |23 and |24, and a third cam |25 is formed on the flange of the hub |22 itself. A pair of horizontal levers |26 and |21, pivoted on a pin |88, engage cams |24 and |25 respectively.A

The above noted cams and levers are further illustrated in Figure 1, and theirnperations and functions will be hereinafter explained.

A second hub |28 is secured to the opposite portion of the shaft |2I, and carries four switch cams |29, |30, |3| and |32, preferably of nonconducting material such as linen Bakelite.

-Cams |29, |30, |3| and |32 respectively engage and are adapted to control switches |33, |34, |35 and |36 secured to the bottom of the body |31 of the unit 41. The four switch cams and corresponding switehes are further illustrated on the electrical diagram, Figure 29, and their operation and functions will also be fully set forth hereinafter in explaining the general operation of the machine.

The hub |28 also carries a thin metal cam |30,`

hereinafter referred vto as the indicator cam. A short tappet |39, secured to a hub |40 pivoted on a stationary pin |4I, engages the cam |38; A curved arm |42, secured to the hub |40, terminates in a pointer |43 adapted to cooperate with an arcuate scale |44 secured to the front plate 4|. The cam |38 is so shaped that during a certain portion of its revolution, as set forth hereinafter lillustrated in Figure 29. A resilient arm- |40,

attached to the lower end of the member M5,

' of the notch lss.

carries a clapperv |49 normallyoverhanging a gong bar |50 of resounding metal, the latter being resiliently mounted on a housing V||to which is also attached a loud speaker |52. When the cam |32allows the toe |41 to drop, the clapper |49 strikes the gong-bar |50 and rebounds therefrom, thus sounding a signal note for purposes hereinafter set forth. An opening |53 may be provided in the housing |5| to facilitate entry of the signal note to the interior thereof.

Reproducing apparatus equidistant from the axes of both turntables 49 and 50, and the reproducer is adapted to be swung intovposltion to engage either record as illustrated in Figure 3.

When the reproducer is in position to cooperate with the turntable 49, the arm |54 overlies a shifter arm |58, shown in detail in Figures 3, 6 and 27.

A support |59, secured to the plate 42, has journalled therein a small shaft |60, the latter carrying a small eccentric |6| serving as a pivot for the arm |58, Figure 27. A knurled knob |62 is secured on the end of the shaft |60, a spring friction washer |63 being provided between the hub of knob |62 and the support |59,

Anupward extension |64 is formed on the arm |58. A dust shield or guard plate |65 is secured above the main top plate 42 just below the upper level of the turntables 49 and 50. The shield |65 is broken away in Figures 3 and 6 to show the shifter mechanism, but it will be understood that of the latter only the extension |64 and the top of knob |62 protrude upward through suitable slots in the shield, as shown in Figures 1 and 27.

A foot |66 on the lever |58 engages the top of a vertically slidable pin |61 urged downward by a spring |61a against the lever |26. When the cam |24 revolves, Figure 1, causing the lever |26 to rise and fall, the latter acts through the pin |61 to raise the shifter arm |58 to upper position or allow it to fall to lower position, as illustrated in Figure 27.

The top of the extension |64 contains a wide inclined notch |68. The reproducer arm |54 is provided with a small longitudinal roller |69 adapted to engage the notch |68. When the arm |58 is in upper position, as shown in dotted and dashed lines, Figure 27, and in Figure 1, the arm |54 is elevated to hold the pick-up needle |51 clear of the record 93, the roller |69 resting by gravity in the lowest point of the notch |68. When the arm |58 is lowered, the pick-up needle, guided by the roller in the bottom of the notch |68, is lowered into engagement with the recordings at the outer or starting boundary C of the zone C-D on record 93. The exact line of this engagement may be adjusted for any desired purpose, as hereinafter set forth, Iby turning the knob |62, thus moving the eccentric pivot |l6| and shifting the entire arm |58 inward or outward.

While the reproducer is traversing the recorded zone on the record 93, swinging to the right in the process, the roller |69 moves across and clear At the completion of reproduction, when the arm |58 is again raised, the inclined side of the notch engages the roller |69 and raises the reproducer from the record, the

Telephone control apparatus Referringto Figure 1, a forked lever |1| is pivoted on a pin |12 which is supported'in the walls |13 of an opening |14 in the front plate 4|. The lever |1| carries a roller |15 and is urged upward by a. spring |16, the roller |15 engaging the cam |23 and normally resting in a notch -|11 therein.

A second forked lever |18, also pivoted on the pin |12, is allowed limited swinging motion by a stop pin |19 secured in the front plate `4| and provided with a resilient bumper |80.

The second lever |18 and the cam lever |1| are adapted to be operatively connected by a magnetic latch of the general type and purpose set forth in the previously noted U. S. Patent No. 2,261,420, dated November 4, 1941. In the present embodiment the magnetic latch comprises an electro-magnet |8| secured to the lower end of the cam lever |1| and cooperative with an armature |82. The armature |82 is horizontally pivoted to a lower rail |84 and has a short extension or detent |83 extending below the rail. A light spring |85 normally holds the armature |82 against the magnet |8|. A latch finger |86 is pivoted at |81 to the lower end of the second lever |18. A light spring |88 presses the end of the finger |86 against the bottom of the rail |84 and also serves to urge the lever |18 forwardthat is, clockwise in Figure 1.

A phone control arm |89, pivoted on the pin |12 and extending outward from the `opening |14, has a weighted end portion |90 adapted to rest upon and normally depress the cradle switch |9| of a telephone instrument |92, the latter instrument being properly placed in front of the front plate 4|. A downwardly extending lug |93 on the arm |89 has threaded therethrough a screw |94 engaging the second lever |18, and the weight or' the control arm |89, in addition to holding the phone switch l9l'depressed, also overcomes the spring |18 to hold the tip of the finger |86 just ahead of the latch detent |85, as shown in Figure 1. Y.

The latch magnet |8| having been energized to retain its armature |82, when the cam |23 1s revolved the roller |16 is forced downward, swinging the lever |1| and' latch assembly clock- Wise. The finger |86 is engaged by the detent |83, causing the second lever |18 also to swing forward and thelatter, acting through the screw |94, elevates the arm |89 to-release the phone switch |9| as illustrated in dot-and-dash line, Figure 1.

When the magnet |6| is de-energized, either by failure of current or when approaching completion of the machines cycle as hereinafter set forth, the armature |82 is released, the weight of roller then rolling down again to the bottom of 76 the control arm |89 acting through the finger |86 to force the detent |83 counter-clockwise. The finger |86 thus over-'rides the detent |83 and allows the arm |89 to drop and again depress the phone switch 9|.

After release of the latch as above described, when the cam |23 completes its revolution the roller |15 again enters the notch |11 and the lever |1| swings backward to withdraw the detent |88 to initial position behind the end of the nger |86 as shown in Figure 1, the apparatus being thereby conditioned for the next operation.

By adjustment of the screw |94 the arm |89 may be adjusted to various heights of telephone instrument.

When not in use, the control arm |89 may be swung upward partially into a pocket |95 in the front plate 4 ,a button |96 and snap socket member |91 being provided to retain the arm in id or completely raised position.

Cutter control apparatus Adjacent the pick-up lift pin |61 previously described, Figures .1 and 3, is a second vertically slidable pin |98 shown in detail in Figures 19 and 20. 'I'he lower forked end |99 of the pin |99 straddles and engages the end of the cam lever |21, a spring 200 being provided to assure constant engagement.

Referring to the cam |25, Figure l, it will be seen that this cam normally holds the lever |21 and consequently the pin |98 in an elevated position, but during a portion of the cams revolution a zone of smaller radius on the 4cam permits the lever |21 and pin |98 to drop to and occupy a lower position.

When the recorder arm |12 is swung into po-sition for recording on the small blank 93 on turntable |49, as illustrated in Figure 6, and the arm 12 is lowered by tripping the trigger |00, the top of pin |98 engages the cutter head 15 as shown in Figure 19, thus holding the stylus 80 clear of the blank 93. During the previously mentioned portion of the cycle, when the pin |98 is lowered to the position shown in Figure 20, the

cutter head 15 is also lowered, allowing the stylus 80 to engage the blank 93 and effect recordings thereon. At the conclusion of recording, the pin |98 and cutter 15 are again raised to initial position, Figure 19. The exact timing and purpose of these provisions will be set forth fully in the explanation of the machines general operation in conjunction with the timing diagram, Figure 28.

Ring detector mechanism In the previously noted U. S. Patent No. 2,261,420, a starting detector was disclosed which is operable by mechanical vibration of a telephone bell box, a wall type box being illustrated.

wall of the casing 2||, these `conductors beingl connected in a normally closed low-voltage circuit hereinafter described. A bolt 2 I9 secures the casing 2|| to the arm 209 and .also-serves to secure a cover 220 on the casing. The cover 220 is removed in Figure 4.

Whentthe bell-box 202 is vibrated by ringing of the bells therein, the vibrations are transmitted via the button 208 and bell-crank 204 to the casing 2| The resulting horizontal vibrations of the casing cause the swinging bar 2|6 to dance on and away from the electrodes 2|2 and 2|3, thus causing a series of breaks in the normally closed detector circuit which start the machine as hereinafter explained,

Acoustic connections Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the front plate 4| has formed thereon or secured thereto a casing 22| in which is resiliently mounted a forwardly directed microphone 222. A resilient liner 223 in the casing 22| terminates at the front in a lip 224 adapted to resiliently support the receiver 225 of the telephone handset 226, the lat- In the present application the telephone |92 illustrated is of themodern type having the bell-- box 202 in the base thereof. For use with this type of instrument, a horizontal plate 203 is provided, this plate partly underlying the base 40 and extending forward therefrom to form a platform for the instrument |92.

A bell-crank 204 is pivoted in the rear end of a slot 205 -in the plate 203. The horizontal arm 206 ol' the bell-crank 204 is urged upward by a spring 201, and the front end of the arm 206 carries a button 208, preferably' of insulating material, engaging the bottom of the bell-box 202. The vertical arm 209 of the bell-crank 204 has secured thereto a detector 2|0, shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the detector 2|0 comprises a cup-shaped insulating casing 2I| in which are securely held two vertical strip electrodes 2|2 and 2|3. A small triangle 2|4, suspended from a ring 2|5, has a weighted cross bar 2| 6 normally engaging the electrodes 2|2 and 2 I3 so as to maintain an electrical connection between them. Flexible conductors 2|1vand 2|8 ter being connected in the usual manner with the instrument |92.

The lower casing |5I, carrying the loud speaker |52 and previously referred to in connection with Figure 26, is adapted to receive the transmitter 221 ofthe handset 226, a resilient ring 228 and pad 229 being provided to position the handset out of direct contact with the plate 4| or walls of casing |5|,

It is evident that when the telephone is in operation, speech from the receiver 225 is picked up directly by the microphone 222, while sounds emanating from the speaker |52 are projected directly into the transmitter 221.

Adjustable stops 230 terminating in pads 23|, Figures 1, 3 and 6, may be provided to assist in properly locating the telephone |92 with respec to the front plate 4| and arm |89. y

Referring to Figures 3 and 6, the front pla 4| has secured thereto a pilot light 230, a manuallir operable volume control or potentiometer 23|, a six pole triple4 throw manual switch 232, a manual turn-off switch 233, and a momentarycontact push-button switch 234. As these devices are of standard construction well known in the art, their electrical parts need be shown herein only diagrammatically in Figure 29. A second potentiometer 235 and a third potentiometer or variable resistor 236 are operable from above the shield plate |65, Figures 3 and 6.

Electrical apparatus and wiring As stated above, the switch 232 is a six-pole, triple throw typethat is, the switch has six simultaneously movable arms each adapted to engage contacts in three separate positions. To promote clarity and avoid undue multiplicity of numbers, the six stages of this switch are generally designated respectively on the diagram, Figure 29, by the numerals 231, 238, 239, 240, 24| and' 242, applied to the switch arms, each having three contacts R, A and P. The left-hand contacts R of all stages represent those engaged by the contact-arms when the switch 232 is manually set for straight recording. The contacts A are engaged when the device is set for automatic operation, while the P contacts are engaged when the device is set for play-back of 'previouslymade recordings.

Further referring to Figure 29, the numerals 243 and 244 indicate feed conductors adapted to be connected to a suitable source of current, the latter in the present case being assumed as the usual 110 volts AC. The conductor 244 is connected to the manual turn-oil switch 233, from which a conductor 245 leads to the one terminal of normally closed limit switch I i2. The other terminal of switch 233 is connected to four contact arms 246. 241, 246 and.249 of a relay 250, hereinafter termed the main relay. The arms 246 to 249 are respectively adapted to engage normally open contact points 25|, 252, 253 and 254, while the arm 249 normally engages a back contact point 255. A branch lead 256 connects the contact point 25|' to the line conductor 245 outside the limit switch 2. A 1

A conductor 251 is connected from the common terminal connectors of the arms of main relay 250 to the arm 240 o f manual switch 232, a branch 258 also connecting conductor 251 to the arm 239. It is evident that through the described connections, when the main switch 233 is closed, the main relay arms 246 to 249, the conductor 251, 4and the manual switch arms 239 and 240 all normally carry the potential of line conductor 244. l

Leads 259 and 260, respectively, connect the conductors 251 and 243 to the primary coil 26|.

of a transformer 262 having a. low-voltage secondary 263. :Since both conductors 251 and 243 are normally charged, the transformer 262 is normally energized.

One side of the secondary 263 is connected via a lead 264 to the magnet 265 of a detector relay 266, the other terminal of the magnet being normally connected vla a lead 261, the ilexible conductor 2|8, the detector electrode 2|3. the bar 2|6, electrode 2|2, flexible conductor 2|1, and a wire 268 with the other side of a secondary 263.

The described closed circuit through the detector relay magnet 265 normally keeps the magnet energized with the potential of the secondary 263. The pilot light 230 is bridged directly between secondary wires 264 and 268 and thus normally remains lighted. y

The detector relay 266 has a contact arm 269 connected via wires 210 and 260 with the supply conductor 243. A spring 21| is adapted to draw the arm 269 into engagement with a contact point 212, but the energized magnet 265, normally holds this connection open as shown. The contact point 212 is electrically `connected to the heater coil 213 of .a thermal delay relay 214. the heater coil being further connected via the variable resistor 236 and a wire 215 to the normally closed back contact 255 of the main relay 250.

I'he thermal delay relay 214 has a bimetallic conducting arm 216 adapted when heated to engage a contact point 211 connected `via a lead 218 with the switch arm 239 and thence via the branch '258 to the conductor 251. The heater coil 213, bimetallic arm 216 and contact point 211 are preferably enclosed in an evacuated or gas-filled tube 214, Figure 1.

The bimetallic arm 216 is connected via a wire 219 to the manual switch arm 238, thence vla a conductor 280 to the normally open contact point 254 of the main relayl 250. The push-button switch 234 is cross-connected between the contact point 211 and the wire 219. y

The contact point A2 of the manual `switch arm 238 is connected via a conductor 28| with the latch magnet |8|, the latter having a second lead 282 connected to the supply conductor 243. From the conductor 28|, a connection is provided via a wire 283 to the normally closed cam switch |34, through the latter and via a jumper 284 to one terminal of the normally open cam switch |35 and via a branch lead 285 to the magnet 286 of the main relay 250.

From the second terminalof the cam switch |35 a lead 281 is run to one terminal of the magnet 288 of a relay 289, hereinafter referred to as the electronic circuit relay. The second terminal of magnet 288 is connected to the main supply conductor 243. The relay 289 has arms 290 and 29| respectively engaging normally closed contacts 292 and 293, also arms 294 and 295 adapted respectively to engage normally open contacts 291 and 298. -A spring 296 normally holds the relay arms in the position shown.

The control motor I I5 has a connection on one side via a lea'd 299 to the supply conductor 243. On the other side, the motor ||5 has two connections, one via a wire'300 to the main relay contact 253; the other via wire 30| to one terminal of the normally open cam switch |33. the second terminal of switch |33 being connected via a lead 302 to the conductor 251.

The motor ||3, also connected on one side via lead 303 to the supply conductor 243, similarly and 3| the latter connected to the low voltage V secondary 263 of the transformer 262. The main current lead308 is connected to the supply conductor 243, while the second lead 309 is connected to the contact point 252 of main relay 250. From the lead 309 a branch 3|2 is connected to the normally disengaged contacts R4 and P4 of manual switch arm 240.

The amplifier 301 may be of any suitable type such as that shown in detail in previously'mentioned U. S. Patent No. 2,261,420, and since the internal parts and connections of such ampliers per se form no part of the present invention, these details need not be further described herein. The amplifier 301, as in the case of the above referred tov patent, has a. main output lead 3|3, a main input lead 3|4, and includes an extra Astage of amplication for the microphone 222,

this stage being provided with auxiliary exterior input and output leads 3|5 and 3|6 respectively.

The main output lead 3|3 is connected to the arms 290 and 294 of the relay 289, while the main input lead 2|4 is similarly connected to the relay arms 29| and 295. l

The auxiliary input lead 3|5 of course is connected to the microphone 222, while the correspending auxiliary output lead 3|6 has two connections, one to the normally disengaged contact Rs of manual switch arm 24|, and the other via a. branch 3 |1 to the normally open contact point 298 of relay 289. l

The pick-up or reproducer |56 also has two connections, one via the potentiometer 23| and a lead 3|8 to the normallydisengaged contact P5 of the manual switch arm 24|, the other via the second potentiometer 235 anda lead 3|9 to the normally engaged contact A5 of the arm 24|. The arm 24| is connected by a suitable conductor m to uw normally closed 'contact point m or relay 289. I

The manual switch arm 242 is connected via a conductor 32| to the normally closed contact- 292 of the relay'239. Both contacts Aa and Pe of the arm 242 are connected via a wire 322 with the loud-speaker |52, while the contact Rt has a'connecting wire 323 to the recorder or cutter head 15. The cutter has a second lead 324 connected tothe normally open relay contact point 291.

By' examining the above described connection, it will be seen that when the manual switch 232 including the arms 24| and 242 is in A position and the relay 289 ie-energized as shown, the device is positioned to direct input from the pickup |56 via the second potentiometer 235, the lead 3|9, contact As and arm 24|, the conductor 320,

the contact point 293, relay arm 29| and main input lead 3|4 to the amplifier 301. At the same time output current is directed from the amplifier via the main output lead 3|3, relay arm 290, contact point 292, conductor 32|, manual switch arm 242, corresponding contact Ae and lead 322 to the speaker |52.

When the relay 289 is energized, the described input circuit from the pick-up |56 is vbroken at relay contact 293, and the main input lead 3|4 is connected via the relay arm 295, point 298 and conductor 3|1 with the auxiliary or microphone stage output lead 3|6. At the same time the arm 290 disengages the contact point 292, there'- by breaking the described output to the speaker |52, while an output connection fromlead 3I3 is established via the relay arm 294, contact point 291V and conductor 324 to the cutter 15.

To brieiiy summarize the above, when the manual switch is set in central or A position, thecrophone 222 and cutter 15 are disconnected.

Energizing the relay 288 disconnects the speaker and pick-up, connects the microphone 222 to thev input 3| 4 and connects the output 3|3 to the cutter, thus setting the apparatus for recording.

The relay 289 being in normal position as shown, if the manual switch 232 is thrown to the left or R position, the electronic circuits are` established for straight recording as follows:

The main input lead 3|4 is connected through the relay arm 29|, contact point 293, conductor 320, manual switch arm 24| and contact point Rs to the microphone stage output lead 3 6, while the pick-up input connection is broken at As. At the same time the cutter 15 is yconnected via lead 323, contact point Re, arm 242, conductor 32|, contact point 292 and arm 290 to the output lead 3I3, while the previously described connection is broken at Ao.

When the switch 232, including'arms l24| and 242, is thrown to the right into Por playback position, the reproducing connections are the same as `those described for normal automatic or A position except that the speaker |52 derives its current via the arm 242 through contact Ps' instead of As, while the pick-up connection to the arm 24| passes through the first potentiometer 23|, lead 3 I8 and contact P5 instead of second potentiometerl 235, lead 3 I 9- and contact As. purpose of providing the two potentiometers 23| and 235 is to allow independent volume control of the automatic or answering reproduction and the manually controlled play-back reproduction.

Starting circuit operation It has been previously set forth how the magnet 265 of detector relay 266 is normally energized by low voltage current from the transformer secondary 263, the detector 2 I0 being included in the described closed circuit. When the telephone |92 rings, the vibrations of the bell-box 202 are transmitted through the. bell-crank 204 to the detector 2|0, and cause the bar 2|6 to vibrate away from the electrodes 2I2 and 2|5, thus breaking the described circuit through the magnet 265. The magnet 265, being cie-energized, allows the spring 21| to draw the arm 259 into contact with the point 212.

A circuit is thereby established from the supply conductor 251 through the wires 280 and 210, the arm 269 and contact point 212 to the heater coil 213, thence through variable resistor 235, wire 215, back contact 255 and main relay arm 249 to the normally charged conductor .251. The

, current passing 4through the heater coil 219 heats the latter, the heat being transmitted to the the contact point 211, the bimetallic arm 216, the

wire 219, the manual switch arm 238 and its contact A2, the conductors 28| and 283, the closed cam switch |34, the jumper 284 andthe branch y lead 285 to the main relay magnet 286, thence via a wire 325 to the supply conductor 243. The. magnet 286 being energized, the relay 250 is actuated, all its arms being thrown to operative position.

The arm 249 engages the contact point 255, thereby closing'a second connection from charged conductor 251 via arm 249, point 254, and conductor 280 to the manual lswitch arm 238, then through the previously traced path to the relay magnet 286. The last described circuit thus con.

. stitutes a holding vcircuit adapted to keep the The` magnet 286 energized after the initial contact in` thermal relay 214 has broken. This latter con-- tact is broken shortly after the relay 250 is actuated, since when the arm 249 moves into engagement with point 254 it disengages the back contact 255, thus breaking the described circuit of heater coil 21| and allowing the bimetallic arm 216 to return to normal position clear of its contact point 211.

It will be evident that the latch magnet |8| is also energized by the initial contact and is also maintained energized so long as the described holding circuit persists.

When it is desired to start the device through its automatic cycle independently of the tele-y phone, for example in order to record a talk-out -or answering speech as hereinafter set forth, the

push-button switch 234 may be closed. Since this switch is connected in parallel to the thermal relay 214, its closure energizes the relay 286 through the circuits already described.

It will be noted that both the initial energizing current to main relay magnet 286 and latch magnet |8| and the subsequent holding current pass through the manual switch 239 and its contact A2, while the contacts R2 and Pz are blank. Therefore, if the manual switch 232 is shifted either to R (straight recording) or P (playback) motor position, the describedv connections to the magnet 286 and latch |8| are broken between the arm 238 and its contact Az, so that during straight recording or playback neither the main relay 250 nor the latch magnet |8| can be energized.

It will be further noted that a branch wire 326 is connected from the detector magnet lead 261 to the contacts R1 and P1 of manual switch arm 231, the arm itself being connected via a wire 321 with the transformer secondary 263. By this means, when the switch 232 is turned either to straight recording or playback position, a connection is established around the detector 2|0, the closed low voltage circuit being maintained through the detector relay magnet 265 independently of the detector 2|0.

During the straight recording or playback, the above described provisions make it impossible for the machine to be started through its automatic" cycle either by ringing of the telephone or by accidental closureof the push-button switch 234.

Automatic cycle circuits When the main relay 250 has been actuated by the starting circuit as described above, closure of the arm 241 on the contact point 252 completes a main current connection from the conductor 245 via the limit switch ||2, the arm 241, the point 252 and lead 309 to the amplifier 301, and as the latter is already connected via lead 308 with the second supply conductor 243, the amplifier 301 is energized.

Similarly, closure of relay arm 248 on contact 253 directs current from conductor 245 via the lead 300 to the motor ||5, the latters circuit being completed via lead 299- to the supply conductor 243.

The motor H5 revolves the turntable 49 and cam shaft 2| and with the latter the various previously described cams. Immediately after starting, as shown in the timing diagram, Figure 28, the cam |29 c1oses the switch |33, thus completing a connection via Wire 302, switch |33 and lead 30| to the motor ||5, this connection being parallel to the previously described connection through the main relay 250. It will be seen from the contour of the cam |29, that once the switch |33 has been closed it is held closed until the cam |29 completes its revolution. This assures a supply circuit to the motor ||5 independently of the relay 250.

In case of a failure of current supply during the automatic operation of the device, the relay 250 drops out, the latch magnet |8| releases its armature |82 to allow the control arm |89 to drop and hang up the telephone, and, of course, the ||5 stops part-way through the cycle. Upon restoration of supply current, the relay 250 normally remains de-energized so that no current is rdirected therethrough to the latch magnet I8 I, the amplifier 301 or the motor I I5. However, due to the fact that the switch |33 is closed. the latter supplies current to motor ||5 through the above described parallel connections, causing the motor to complete the rotation of the cams, thus resetting the device to normal starting position as above.

It will be understood that the aboverunning of the motor ||5 for resetting occurs only following an interruption of current. During a normal cyclic operation, the main relay 250 remains closed until just before the end of the cycle, when the cam |30 allows the switch |34 to open momentarily. thus breaking the previously V249 via contact point 254, conductor 280, wire 305,

switch 36 and wire 304 to the recorder motor |I3, thence via lead.' 303 to the supply conductor 243. The motor ||3 starts, driving the turntable 50 and the previously described feed mechanism.' Immediately after the closure of switch |36, the cam |32 allows the signal lever toe |41 to drop, thus causing the clapper |49 to strike the gong bar, Figure 26, and sound a signal.

Immediately following the signal, the cam. |3| allows the switch |35 to close. It has already been shown that the jumper 284 throughout the cycle is charged withA the potential of supply conductor 245 via the holding circuit of main relay 250. Closure of switch |35, therefore directs current from jumper 284 via wire 281 to the magnet 288 of the electronic control relay 289, thence to the second supply conductor 243. The relay 289 is actuated, disconnecting the pick-up |56 and speaker |52 while connecting the cutter 15 and microphone 222 in the manner previously described. 'Ihe relay 289 remains energized to maintain the apparatus in recording connection until the switch |34 opens near the end of the cycle as set forth above. As the cycle ends, the switches |35 and |36 are again opened by their respective cams |3| and |32.

Recording talk-out or answering speech In order to prepare a, talk-out record, the operator swings the phone control arm |89 up into the position shown in Figure 6, removes the .handset 226 from the housings 22| and |5| and places it in its usual position on the cradleswitch |9 The pick-up arm |54 is moved to the notch |10 in arm |58, Figure 27, the reproducer being thus held clear of the turntable 49 as illustrated in Figure 6. A record blank 93 is placed on the table 49, the recorder arm 12 is swung until the latch |02 enters the notch |01, Figure 21, and the trigger |00 is pulled, allowing the forks 89 to engage the feed hub 59 as .previously set forth. The recorder arm 12 is thereby located as shown in Figure 6 in feeding engagement, the pin |98, Figure 19, holding ,the cutter head 15 elevated so that the stylus is poised above the boundary C of the recording zone on blank 93.

The operator then closes the push-button switch 234, starting the machine through its cycle by the connections previously explained in connection with- Figure 29.

During'the first part of the cycle which normally would comprise the answering period, Figure 28, the machine idles, since the reproducer |56 is not in registry with the tum-.table 49. v Near the end of this period, the cam switches |36 and |35 close, as previously explained, starting the recorder motor ||3 and actuating the relay 289. The device is thereby electrically conditioned for recording and the recorder feed begins. Next the pin |98 lowers the cutter head 15 under control of the cam |25' and lever |21, Figures 1 and 20, to place the stylus 80 on the blank 93, where' it starts cutting its spiral groove.

After a few leading or idle grooves have been cut, the indicator |43 starts upward, whereupon the operator speaks his desired answering message into the microphone housing 22| timing his speech by the progress of the indicator up the scale |44 and preferably ending substantially at the top of the indicators travel. A typical speech may be as follows: Mrz Blank is not in his cnice, but this automatic recorder will take any short message you may wish to leave and will repeat it to him when he returns. Give your name and telephone number if you wish to be called back. Start your message when you hear the gong signal."

By cooperation of the microphone 22, amplier 301 and the cutter 15 in the usual manner, the

`spoken message is recorded in the zone C--D on record 93. After the completion of the talk-out recording period, as shown in Figure 28, the switches |34 and |33 open to end the cycle in the manner previously set forth, the cutter control pin |98 meanwhile again raising the stylus 80 from the record 93.

The operator raises the recorder arm 12 and swings it back to normal recording position above the turn-table 40, and replaces the reproducer arm |54 with its roller |69 in the control notch |68, Figure 27. If he wishes he may again push the button-switch 234 to initiate a cycle for testing his recorded speech. During the answering period, the pick-up |56 having been lowered by arm |58 into registry with the recorded zone C--D, the recorded speech is reproduced through the speaker |52. If desirable the initial registry of the needle |51 with the zone C-D may be adjusted by means of the knob |62 as previously explained. Also the loudness of the talk-out speech may be adjusted by means of the potentiometer 235.

The reason for the provision of the cutter control pin |98, Figures 19 and 20, appears during examination of the above talk-out recording procedure. The recording occurs on the small record 93 on turn-table 49, but the feed of the cutter head 15 is furnished through the described mechanism operated by recording motor ||3. The turn-table 49, driven by motor ||5, revolves throughout the entire cycle, but the motor ||3 runs only during the recording period, Figure 28. Therefore, if the stylus 80 were placed in engagement with blank 93 initially, it would cut the latter without feeding during the first part of the cycle, resulting in injury to both stylus and record. With the present arrangementthe pin |98 prevents such injury by keeping the cutter elevated until after the motor |3 and consequently the feed has started.

Automatic message recording The talk-out message having been recorded on record 93 as set forth above, the operator places a record blank 92 on the table 50, swings the recorder arm 12 until the latch |02 drops in the notch |06, Figure 21, and trips the triggerto lower the arm 12 into feeding position as previously explained, the stylus l80 engaging the starting boundary K of the recording zone K-B. He next places the hand-set 226 with the receiver 225 and transmitter 221 respectively in the hous` ings 22| and |5|, and lowers the control arm |89 so that its weighted end portion |90 depresses the cradle switch |9|, the latter being thereby held in open or hung-up condition.

When the telephone rings, the vibrations of the bell-box 202 actuate the detector 2|0, energizing the thermal relay 214 in the manner set forth until after sumcient ringing, as determined by the setting of the variable resistor 236, the relay 214 closesA to start the cycle. The cam |23 acts through the roller |15 and related mechanism to raise the arm |88, thus allowing the switch |9| to connect the telephone. The cam |58 lowers the pick-up |58 into cooperation with the record l 93, and the previously recorded talk-out message ls spoken by the speaker |52into the transmitter 221 during the answering period, Figure 28.

At the close of the answering period, the recorder motor ||3 starts, the gong signal sounds, and the relay 289 switches the apparatus from reproducing to recording condition. rl'hereafter, during the message recording period, Figure 28, any message emanating from the receiver 225 is picked up by the microphone 222, transmitted through the amplifier 3111 and recorded by the cutter 15 on the blank 92. Meanwhile, the pickup |56 is raised and returned to initial position. At the conclusion of the message recording period, the main relay 250 drops out, the latchl I8| releases to drop the arm |89 and hang up" the phone, and the motor ||3`stops after driving the device to initial position ready to receive the next message.

At the conclusion of recording the incoming message the cutter stylus remains in engagement with the record92, so that the next incoming message recording tracks directly from the end of the preceding recording. An ordinary recording blank contains sufficient area to provide for an ample number of successive messages under usual circumstances. messages accumulate until the cutter stylus 80 approaches the inner boundary B of the zone K-B, the latch |02 opens the limit switch ||2 in the manner explained in connection with Figure 2 1.

During automatic operation, the opening of the limit switch ||2 does not break the operating circuit, since a connection around the switch ||2 is provided by wire 256, point 25| and main relay arm 246, Figure 29. At the conclusion of the cycle, however, when the relay 250 drops out, the current supply from conductor 245 is opened by' the relay, and since the limit switch is already open, the main supply remains shut off until the recorder arm 12 is raised to allow the limit switch I2 to re-close.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that while the limit switch ||2 prevents over-running the permissible recording zone, the parallel connection through the relay 250 prevents interruption of the last recorded message. Sufficient reserve space is provided in the zone Z-B to allow for completion of ,any message during which the limit switch is operated.

Play-back When it is desired to reproduce the messages recorded on the record 92, the operator iirst removes the hand-set 226 from the housings 22| and |5|, lifts the recorder arm 12 to disengage the recorder from the record and also disengage the described feed mechanism, and turns the manual switch 232 to P or play-back position. By this switching operation, the previously described automatic control circuit is disabled between arm 258 and its contact A2, Figure 29, and the described low-voltage bridging circuit around the detector 2|0 is established between arm 231 and contact P1. The arm 239 engages its contact Ps, directing current from the normally charged conductor 251 via wire 256, arm 239, contact Ps and branch 306 to the motor ||3, thence via lead 303 to conductor 243. The motor H3 is lthereby started to drive the turn-table 50.

Similarly, the manual switch arm 240 engages If for any reason theits contact P4, directing main supply current from l conductor 251 via branch 3|2 and conductor 309 set forth The above described connections energize the apparatus as a straight reproducing phonograph.

The operator raises the reproducer arm |54 clear of the arm |58, swings it above the record 92 as shown in dot-and-dash lines, Figure 1, and plays backthe recordings on record 92 in the usual manner through the speaker |52. The volume of play-back sound may be' varied by means of the potentiometer 23|.

Straight recording At times it may be desired to utilize the devicel for straight manually controlled recording, for example for dictation of short letters, dictation of omce instructions and 'the like. To accomplish this purpose, the operator places a record blank on the table 50, sets the recorder arm 12 in initial recording position as previously described, and turns the manual switch 232 R position. I'he arms 239 and 2 31, Figure 29, disable the starting and automatic cycle circuits in substantially the same manner as described for play-back, while the arms 239 and 240 by engaging their contacts R3 and R4 similarly start the motor H3 and energize the amplifier 301. At the same time, the arms 24| and 242'by engaging their contacts Rs and Re operate through previously described connections to respectively connect the microphone 222 to the input 3M and the cutter 15 to the output 3|3 of the amplifier.

The 'device thus being rendered operative as a direct recorder, the operator by speaking into the microphone housing 22| may record on the blank 92 for any length of time within the capacity of the record. In case recording approaches the permissible inner limit of the zone K-B, the limit switch 2 is opened, and since the'4 relay 250 is also open, the machine is deenergized at once.

In some cases only aportion of the zone K-'B may havebeen used for recording, either automatic o r manually controlled, and it is ldesired to utilize the remainder after playing back the a1- ready recorded portion. In this case, the operator in disengaging the recorder merely lifts the arm 12 to disengage the feed mechanism, but does not swing the arm circumferentially.- 'I'he arm 'I2 thus remains poised on the latch |02 with the stylus directly above the line of last recording. After play-back of the recorded portion,

' when the trigger |00 is again, operated to release the latch |02 land lower the arm 12, the stylus 80. automatically re-engages the partially recorded blank exactly at the inner limit of the previous recording. All the available space may thus readily be utilized in a substantially continuous recording band. Itis evident that this result is due to the advantageous feed structure of the present invention, wherein feed engagement may be made with any point in the circumference of the feed hub 59, without the dimculties of attempting to match and meshfeed screws or teeth as in the usual forms of feed structure.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above and other advantages of the described recording dand reproducing apparatus make these structures well suited per se to function in various reproducing and recording devices other than the telephone message recorder forming part of the present invention., While these and other features of the invention have been set forth in preferred form, they are not limited to the precise structures illustrated, as various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In a telephone answering device operable by electricity, in combination, a casing, means including a vibratory switch to initiate operation of said device movably mounted in said casing. and a member connected to said switch and extending outward from said casing, said member being adapted to engage the bell-box of a telephone and transmit the ringing vibrations of said box to said switch.

2. In a device of the character described, in combination, a bell-crank having a substantially horizontal arm and a substantially vertical arm, means to pivotally support said bell-crank a switch operable by vibration on said vertical arm, and means on said horizontal arm adapted to i vertically engage a telephone bell casing whereby vibrations of said casing may actuate said switch.

3. In a detector device for cooperation with a telephone instrument having a bell mounted in the base thereof, in combination, means to support said telephone instrument, a lever pivotally secured to said support and adapted to extend ering said arm toward said record to bring said c recorder into an'intermediate position adjacent to but out of contact with said record blank, supporting means for holding said arm in said intermediate position, and means for withdrawing said supporting means to permit said recorder to contact said blank.

5. In combination, a record blank adapted .to receive sound recordings, a recorder and a supporting arm therefor supported adjacent said record blank, manually operable means for lowering said arm toward said record to bring said recorder into an intermediate position adjacent to but out of contact with said record blanla supporting means for said arm in said intermediate position, means for withdrawing said supporting means to permit said recorder to contact said blank, a second record blank, said recorder arm being movable to a recording position over said second blank and said recorder on said arm being engagable with said second blank by said manually operable means.

6. In a recording device, a record blank, meansl for recording sound thereon, a motor for relatively moving said blank and means, reduction gearing driven by said motor, and an arm operated by said gearing to be moved thereby to indicate the relative position of said blank and recording means.

'7. 'I'he combination. as claimed in claim 6 wherein a fixed scale is provided across which said arm moves to indicate the recorded area on said record.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 6' wherein a xed scale is provided` below the plane of the record and said arm traverses said scale to indicate the recorded area on said record.

9. In a device o i' the' character described, a

cabinet containing a telephone answering device, an adjustable stop extending from said cabinet for positioning a telephone instrument adjacent thereto, and means extending from said cabinet adapted to contact a telephone instrument andA to be operated thereby to initiate the operation of said telephone answering device.

10. In a device of the character described, a cabinet containing a telephone answering device, an arm extending therefrom and adapted to en-f gage a telephone switch, a stop subjacentA said arm adapted to position a. telephone instrument relative to said arm, and signal receiving means extending from said cabinet sublacent said stop and adapted to contact a telephone instrument.

l1. In a device of the character described, a record blank, means for recording sound thereon, driving means for moving said record, means for observing the duration of a recording operated by said driving means, and means for reproducing said recording over aA telephone circuit.

12. In a device of the character described, a cabinet having an ,aperture therein, a record blank, means for recording sound thereon, driving means for said record enclosed in said cabinet, means for observing the duration of a recording including visual indicating means cooperating with said aperture, and means for reproducing said recording over a telephone circuit.

13. In a device of the character described, a telephone answering device having a plate extending therefrom adapted to support a telephone instrument, a switch arm extending from said device and adapted to operate the switch of a telephone instrument when same is positioned on said plate, and means carried by said plate adapted to transmit ringing signals from a telephone on said plate to said device to initiate the operation thereof.

14. In a device of the character described, two record tables, a reproducer arm, a, reproducer carried by said arm, said arm adapted to carry said reproducer in a reproducing path across both said tables, said path being on the same side of a median line extending through thev centers of said tables.

15. In a device of the character described, two record tables, a reproducer arm, a reproducer carried by said arm, said arm adapted to carry said reproducer in a reproducing path across both said tables, said path being on one side of a median line through the centers of said tables, a recording arm, a, recorder carried by said arm, said arm adapted to carry said reproducer in a recording path across both said tables, said path being on the opposite side of said median line from said reproducing path, and means for rotating said tables.

16. In a device of the character described, two record tables, a reproducer arm, a reproducer carried by said arm, said arm adaptedto carry said reproducer in a reproducing path across both said tables, said path being on one side of a median line through the centers of said tables, a recording arm, a recorder carried by said arm, said arm adapted to carry said recorder in a recording path across both said tables, said recording path being on the opposite side of said median line fromV said reproducing path, and means for moving said recording arm across said tables to by electricity, in combination, means including a vibratory switch to initiate operation of said device, said switch being movably mounted in said casing, and a member connected to said switch and extending outward from saidcasing, said member being adapted to engage the bellbox oi' a telephone and transmit the ringing vibrations of said box to said switch.

18. In a device of the character described, in combination, a bell-crank having av substantially horizontal arm and a substantially vertical arm. means to pivotally support said bell-crank, a switch operable by vibration on said vertical arm, and means on said horizontal arm adapted to vertically engage a telephone bell casing whereby vibrations of said casing may actuate said switch.

19. In a detector device for cooperation with a telephone instrument having avbell mounted in the base thereof, in combination, meansl to support said telephone instrument, a lever pivotally secured to said support and adapted to extend under said base and having an end member adapted to engage the bottom of said base, and a vibratory switch operatively connected to said lever.

20. In a device of the .character described, in

combination, two turntables in substantially the cludes an electric motor and source of current therefor and wherein said amplifier is operated 4U by said source of current.

22. In an apparatus of the class described the combination of a support, two turntablesrevolvably mounted on said support and having their surfaces in substantially the same horizontal plane, motor means for driving said turntables carried von said support subjacent the tables, means for selectively and sequentially operating,r said tables by said motor means, a sound record on one of said tables, a reproducer, means operated by said motor means for sequentially causing said reproducer to engage and disengage said sound record to reproduce sound recorded thereon, a record blank on the other of said tables, a recorder, means operated by said motor means for causing said recorder to traverse said record blank to record sound thereon, switching means operated by said motor means for completing electrical circuits including said reproducer when same is in contact with said sound record and to disconnect the same and connect said recorder when same is in contact with said record blank, means for coupling said reproducer to the transmitter of a telephone instrument, and means for coupling said recorder to the receiver of said instrument.

23'. In an apparatus of the class described the combination of a support, two turntables revolvably mounted on said support and having their surfaces in substantially the 'same horizontal plane, motor means for driving said turntables carried on said support subjacent the tables,

` means for selectively and sequentially operating form a recording on record blanks carried there- 17. In a telephone answering device operable said tables by said motor means, a sound record on one of said tables, a reproducer, means operated by said motor means for sequentially causing said reproducer to engage and disensase said 

